Thessaloniki Voyage Tips and guide

Thessaloniki (Greek: Θεσσαλονίκη) is the capital of Macedonia, and with one million inhabitants (2025), the second largest city in Greece. It is a city with a continuous 3,000-year history, preserving relics of its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman past and of its formerly dominant Jewish population. Its Byzantine churches, in particular, are included in UNESCO's world heritage list.

Once the biggest port of the Balkans, Thessaloniki is a city that has been conquered by many empires, with each one leaving its mark. One can find Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman buildings all throughout the city.

King Philip II of Macedon, after a victory in the region of Thessaly, named his next daughter "Thessalonike" (Thessaly Victory). Cassander, a later king of Macedon, married her, and founded the city in her name in 315 BC. The city grew over time, becoming a major metropolis of the Roman Empire, and then the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople.

During the Ottoman years a sizeable Jewish community formed in the city (at times even majority-Jewish), giving it the name 'The Jerusalem of the Balkans'. Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together in Thessaloniki for over 400 years. During the 1923 Greco-Turkish population exchange hundreds of thousands of Christians arrived from Asia Minor and most of the Muslims moved to Turkey. The 55,000 strong Jewish community was eradicated during the 1941-1945 German occupation, with 2,000 remaining after the war.

Thessaloniki lies on the northern fringe of the Thermaic Gulf on its eastern coast and is bound by Mount Chortiatis to the east.

The City Centre is bound by the waterfront, up the hill to Olympiados Street to the northeast, and the Byzantine-era city walls on the sides - Dimokratias Square to the northwest, the University campus and Thessaloniki International Fair to the southeast. Most commercial, entertainment and educational facilities can be found here, while it also remains a densely populated residential area. Most of this area burned down in the Great Thessaloniki Fire of 1917, and was rebuilt with a modern grid city plan of streets parallel and perpendicular to the coastline.

• 40.6323822.940941 Aristotelous Square. is the focal point of the city. The square is used for cultural events, such as festivals, the annual Christmas and carnival celebrations, and the occasional political rally. The Aristotelous Promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants, starts at the waterfront and continues uphill to the Roman Forum.  There are unhandled parameters: inline;
• Other major perpendicular streets, starting from northwest, are Dragoumi, Venizelou, Agias Sofias and Ethinikis Aminis. If a street goes downhill, then it will lead you to the waterfront.
• The biggest parallel streets to the sea, starting from the sea, are Leoforos Nikis, Tsimiski, Egnatia, Agiou Dimitriou and Kassandrou.

Ano Poli (Upper City) lies on the hillside up towards Mount Chortiatis from the city centre. This area survived the great fire, and thus has a more medieval cityscape with small stone-paved streets, old squares and homes featuring old Greek and Ottoman architecture.

The metropolitan area, with population of about 1 million, spills out to the northwest and southeast.

• Thessaloniki tourism website

• 40.6326422.941762 Tourist Information Center, Tsimiski 136 (at Aristotelous Square). M-F 08:00-20:00, Sa 09:30-16:00 in winter and 08:00-20:00 in summer, Su closed.  (updated Dec 2025)
• There are also tourist info booths at the central bus stations.

Thessaloniki is an important rail hub within Greece and it is quite easy to travel here by passenger trains. Hellenic Train operates up to six daily trains from Athens via Larissa. The journey used to take 4 hours, but after a huge flood that destroyed the central part of the line in 2023, it now takes around 5 hours. Restoration and improvement works are on the way and by 2025 the journey will again take 4 hours, possibly even lower. Additionally, there are trains from Alexandroupoli via Komotini, Xanthi and Serres in Western Thrace region. Regional trains connect with Florina, Kilkis, Kalampaka and several other cities in Northern Greece.

Thessaloniki also has a suburban railway also operated by Hellenic Train that connects the city to Larissa via Katerini running multiple times a day and stopping at many smaller cities and villages that the Intercity Trains do not.

There are normally staff at all major stations to facilitate transportation of disabled persons.

• 40.64444522.9291681 New Thessaloniki railway station (Νέος Σιδηροδρομικός Σταθμός Θεσσαλονίκης, Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos Thessalonikis), Monastiriou St 28, ☏ +30 2130 121530. daily 05:00-00:30.  (updated Jan 2020)
• 40.63462822.9431862 TrainOSE travel service (Thessaloniki TrainOSE travel service No. 4), 18 Aristotelous Str., ☏ +30 2130 121532, [email protected]. M W 09:00-18:00, Tu Th F 09:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-15:00, Su closed. Recorded information about train departures are provided by TrainOSE, call 1440 for domestic departures from Thessaloniki.  (updated Jan 2020)

Ask for these discounts even if the TrainOSE employee does not mention them:

• Children (ages 4-12) get a 50% discount.
• Youth under 26 and elderly over 65 get a 25% discount (not on ICE).
• Disabled people and their escort get a 50% discount.
• Groups get a 30-50% discount.
• Two-way trips also get a discount.

Thessaloniki is connected via the intercity KTEL bus network with every corner of Greece.

• 40.6544522.90233 Macedonia Intercity Bus Station (Υπεραστικού Σταθμού ΚΤΕΛ Μακεδονία), Giannitson 244 (In the westside of the city), ☏ +30 231 059 5400, fax: +30 231 054 4633, [email protected].  
• 40.5752922.984124 Halkidiki Bus Station (Σταθμού ΚΤΕΛ Χαλκιδικής) (east side district of Pylaia). Terminal station for buses from Chalkidiki (Halkidiki). The station is served by bus line 45, which links the station with the Makedonia Bus Station and line 36, which links it with the Voulgari Bus Terminal. To reach the station from the airport, take bus 79 to IKEA, which is a major centre for bus line transfers. Next, take bus 36, which passes by the Cosmos Mall and Balkan Centre before reaching the KTEL Halkidiki bus station. Taxi service is available at the bus station. A ride into the town centre (Arch of Galerius on Egnatia Road) should cost approximately €15.  (updated Aug 2022)

• Athens/Volos – Buses from Athens and Volos make the trip to Thessaloniki in about 6 hr 30 min and 2 hr 30 min, respectively, the former including a 20-min stop at a roadside restaurant, usually near Lamia, with toilet facilities. Buses are air-conditioned, and some offer WiFi internet access.
• Belgrade – There are weekly departures to Belgrade (Serbia) from Thessaloniki and Athens, in the arrangement of the Greek and Serbian Agency. Ticket price in one direction from Thessaloniki to Belgrade is about €45.
• Istanbul – Regular buses between Istanbul and Athens also call in Thessaloniki.
• Skopje – A number of local travel agencies in Skopje also arrange transport to Thessaloniki daily by car or minibus. These generally leave around 05:00, and cost around €25 for a day return (returning at 17:00) or a single (i.e. €50 if you want to come back on a different day from when you leave) The travel agent at the back of the shopping mall by the Central Square arranges this departing from beside the Holiday Inn. Others depart from the bus station, or other locations around the city. Simeonidis tours, N⁰ 14, 26th October St. There is one bus daily departing for Thessaloniki from the central bus station in Skopje and it takes about 5 hr to Thessaloniki. It departs at 06:00. Reservations are recommended.
• Sofia – There are at least four daily buses from Sofia, Bulgaria which pass through Thessaloniki, plus several non-daily. Prices are generally around €30.
• Tirana – There are a number of buses to Thessaloniki and Athens every day, departing from most major Albanian cities. You can catch a bus from Tirana or Shkodra and travel all the way south, making stops in most major Albanian and Greek cities. Since buses stop to pick up and drop passengers in most major cities, you can catch the bus at those cities en route.
• Budapest — Buses to Budapest do not run everyday and the journey is quite long. It may involve stops in Skopje, Belgrade and Nis.

• 40.51972222.9709175 Thessaloniki International Airport "Macedonia" (SKG  ^IATA) (15 km south of city centre). International destinations particularly well served include most of the major European airports and destinations in the Middle East and Turkey. The airport sees highly seasonal traffic, peaking in the summer months.  (updated May 2024)

The domestic flight network is quite extensive, with most flights provided by either Aegean Airlines, its regional subsidiary Olympic Air an operator of subsidized public-service-obligation flights to less frequently served destinations, Sky Express a new Greek airline that offers cheap flights to Athens and multiple islands. Some domestic connections are also provided by major European low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet and WizzAir.

Apart from those, the majority of flights are charter and seasonal flights by holiday specialists. There is also substantial low-fare traffic by pretty much all major low-fare carriers in Europe, with Ryanair having a base at the airport and the largest number of connections out of those. When it comes to traditional international airlines, the airport is mainly served by those belonging to the Star Alliance, which also includes Aegean and Olympic, such as Austrian, Turkish and Swiss.

The airport is not as well served as the Athens airport, to which it is connected by multiple daily flights taking around 50 min, provided by multiple airlines. Aegean's frequent shuttle flights are of particular interest, as they can be booked on a common ticket with an Aegean or other Star Alliance flight to other destinations in Europe and beyond.

A luggage storage room is available on the arrival floor.

Getting there

The airport is 15 km south of the city centre.

• By bus and metro Bus 02X connects the airport to Nea Elvetia (Νέα Ελβετία) metro station where you can connect to the metro towards the city centre. The bus runs every 20 min during most of the day and hourly in the late evening.

• By bus – Bus line 01X provides 24/7 service between the airport, the New Railway Station, and the Macedonia InterCity Bus Terminal. Frequency is between 15 min and 30 min during the day. At night, the bus number changes to 01N and runs every 30 min. A ticket costs €2 for one trip (see Get around / By bus, July 2025). Tickets can be bought at a vending booth at the airport bus stop or at ticket machines on the buses (cards accepted). The ride from the airport to the city centre takes around 40 min. Buses can get very packed so do not expect a very comfortable ride.

Bus number 79 from the airport does not get you to the city centre but to A.S. IKEA bus terminal in the city's east side. However, from there you can take another bus (ask the counter). The ticket (validated on both buses) is €0.60 (July 2025)— in case you want to spare €1.40.

• By taxi – A ride from the city centre costs about €15-20. It's hard to find one during peak hours (07:00-08:00, 14:00-16:00 and 19:00-21:00), so plan early. Taxi can be prearranged through travel platforms as well as rideshare platforms.

• On foot – If you'd like a panoramic trail, after or between your flights, you can spend this time on a fairly pleasant river and sea-side trail. It starts about 600 m from the terminal, where the 40.52822.9845281 airport's main access road crosses a small river. From there, a trail follows the river's right (NE) bank toward the north-west for about 1 km, until the river enters the sea; watch for water birds. From the river's mouth, the trail follows the sea coast to the NE and N for about 1 km, until it reaches the mouth of another little river. While not an official beach, swimming in the sea is possible. From that point, one can continue east for about 500 m along a small residential street named Floridas, until reaching the main highway (Leoforos Georgikis Scholis) just south of the 40.54618122.9834722 Lidl store. From there, two shopping centres, Hondos Centrer and IKEA (both with air conditioning, soft chairs, food, and free Wi-Fi) are within walking distance. From the 40.54813922.9840563 IKEA bus terminal you can take one of the bus lines to the city centre (e.g. bus number 2) paying the standard one journey ticket price which is cheaper than taking the bus 01X/01N directly from the airport (see Get around / By bus). The trail takes about 1 hr one-way and of course can be done in the other direction if you are arriving from the city centre at the IKEA bus terminal and have some time to kill before your flight.

• Athens about 5 hr (Highway A1, E75)
• Belgrade in Serbia about 7 hr (A1, E75)
• Istanbul in Turkey about 8 hr (A2, E90)
• Tirana in Northeastern Albania about 6 hr (Α29 and Α2)
• Sofia in Northwest Bulgaria about 4 hr (Α25, Ε79)
• Constanta in Romania about 8 hr.

Finding parking is difficult: be prepared to spend a lot of time looking for a place or to pay for space in the parking lot (starting from €4 for 3 hr). Don't assume you're safe from paying a fine just because locals flagrantly flout parking laws.

Traffic congestion is a problem, largely due to double-parked cars, but generally fellow drivers and passers-by are helpful in showing you the way if you're lost.

40°38′8″N 22°56′55″E

The city centre of Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki has a single metro line with 13 stations that runs from the New Railway Station across the city centre and the southern and eastern suburbs to Nea Elvetia. The trains run from 05:30 to 00:30 except on Fridays and Saturdays when the last trains are at 02:00. The standard fare is €0.60 (which is purchased only with cash inside the stations).

40.63694422.9419446 Venizelou station (Βενιζέλου). This station is worth a visit in itself: the station contains an active archaeological site dubbed the "Byzantine Pompeii" and a mini museum showcasing finds so far, which delayed the opening of the line by over 10 years.  (updated Jul 2025)

A new line with 5 stations is planned to open in November 2025 and will serve the Kalamaria area.

OASTH is the city's bus company and runs a total of 85 different bus lines. Moovit or Rome2Rio mobile apps can be used to plan the journey and check the schedule on the go. Bus services usually operate from 05:00 until just after midnight.

• Bus 50, the "cultural line", follows a figure-of-8 route past all the major tourist sights. There is an English speaking guide aboard, who provides you with maps and information. The whole route takes 50 min, and it departs every hour on the hour from the White Tower.
• Connection to the airport is provided by buses 01X (which runs as 01N in the night), and 02X (requiring transfer to the metro at Nea Elvetia).
• Night bus 01N runs from 22:00-05:00 every 30 minutes on average. Being the only public transportation option after 00:00 it is usually packed with people, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so don't count on it if you have a late night flight to catch.

This being Greece, the bus drivers go on strike occasionally. Notices about strikes may appear (in Greek only, naturally) at the bus stops information panels.

Tickets can be bought at TheTA's ticket outlets, at machines on the buses, and in the OSETH App. Certain types of tickets (see below) are also available at various other sales points. Physical tickets come in the form of reusable paper chipcards ("ThessTicket"). Tickets must be validated upon every boarding (by tapping your chipcard to the validator or scanning the QR code in your OSETH App - if the validators aren't working, simply get on board). There are four types of tickets available (prices as of July 2025):

• 70-minute ticket (urban zone): €0.60; valid on all lines except 50, 01X, 01N, and 02X.
• 70-minute ticket (peri-urban zone): €0.80; valid on all lines except 50, 01X, 01N, and 02X.
• 70-minute ticket (special bus lines): €2.00; valid only on lines 50, 01X, 01N, and 02X.
• 24-hour ticket (urban & peri-urban zone): €2.50; valid on all lines except 50, 01X, 01N, and 02X.
• Package of 11 70-minute tickets (urban zone): €5.80; valid on all lines except 50, 01X, 01N, and 02X.
• Package of 11 70-minute tickets (peri-urban zone): €7.80; valid on all lines except 50, 01X, 01N, and 02X.

Students, persons aged 65+ or <18, and persons with over 67% disability get a 50% discount if they use a personalized ThessCard, which can be bought at TheTA's ticket outlets or online (account required; cards can be either picked up at a TheTA ticket outlet or delivered to a Greek address). Accompanied children under the age of six ride for free.

30-, 90-, 180- and 365-day passes for unlimited journeys on all lines (including the Airport line 01X/01N/02X and the Cultural line 50) are also available. A photo-ID and a recent photograph are required to issue a personalized ThessCard, onto which the passes are loaded. A one-month pass costs €16.

Licensed taxis (dark blue with a taxi light) can be hailed in the streets and at taxi ranks. Ride hailing services (Freenow, Uber) are also an option. Most drivers are able to communicate in both Greek and English.

There is a decent bicycle lane that runs along the seafront, but most other roads are narrow and not friendly to novice cyclists. Bicycle lanes often do not exist, even on main roads. Sometimes, there are bicycle lanes on the pavement.

ThessBike is a bike sharing system with stations mainly near the centre of the town. More stations are being planned in other areas. You can either become a subscriber or pay per hour. In general, expect to pay €1 per hour.

The northernmost 40.63853322.9581351 Byzantine Walls of the city and parts of the eastern walls are still standing, as is the city's symbol, the White Tower. The rest of the walls are in the picturesque Upper Town which offers a spectacular view over the bay, especially in the late afternoon.

When the Roman Empire was divided into the tetrarchy in 293 AD, Thessaloniki became the administrative capital of one of the four portions. Emperor Galerius commissioned an imperial palace and other structures.

• 40.6322422.9517372 Arch of Galerius (Arch of Triumph) (Egnatia and Dimitriou Gounari streets). The triumphal arch was dedicated in 303 AD to celebrate the victory of the tetrarch Galerius over the Sassanids. Free.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 40.6303722.949363 Palace of Galerius. €10.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 40.6379422.945974 Roman Forum (Ancient Agora). 09:00-16:00. Excavations and an interesting museum underneath. €10.  (updated Jun 2019)

As the "second city" of the Byzantine Empire, the city flourished during its early years, and was again revitalized in 1300s. This is reflected in the grandiosity of the religious spaces built during these periods, and in the richly-colored murals and mosaics that adorn their interiors.

Despite the capture of Thessaloniki by the Ottoman Empire in 1430, the Christian monuments were not destroyed. While not all of these Byzantine churches survived the 1917 fire, 13 of the ones remaining (along with the City Walls and the Byzantine Bath) have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Entrance to the buildings is free, except for the Rotunda. The hours vary widely. The largest ones are open for much of the day, the smallest ones are closed much of the time. Mornings are your best bet.

• 40.633322.95295 Rotunda, St. George Square. Started life as a Roman temple of Zeus, built by Caesar Galerius, and is almost as old as the Pantheon in Rome. The monument has a diameter of 24.5 m and its dome reaches a height of 30 m. It was converted into a Christian church during the Early Christian era, and its interior was decorated with magnificent mosaics. However some inside frescoes are a work of the British artist Alexander Rossi (1840-1916). In 1591 the Rotunda was converted into a mosque, and a tall minaret still stands beside the monument. Frequent earthquakes from the early 7ᵗʰ century until 1978 caused several damage. The latter caused the destruction of the dome section. After being restored, the monument reopened to the public in 1998. €10.  There are unhandled parameters: 1;
• 40.6387622.947886 Saint Demetrios (Agios Demetrios). Constructed in the mid-7th century on the ruins of a Roman bath complex, in honor of Demetrius, a Roman officer who was imprisoned and martyred here in 303 AD. An earlier small church, built on the site of martyrdom, burned down during the earthquake of 620 and a new large basilica was erected at expenses of Leontius, the Byzantine prefect of Illyricum and the Bishop of Thessaloniki. The new church of S. Demetrios became one of the most famous centres of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians until its Muslim conversion in 1492. In the Great Fire of Thessaloniki of 1917 the basilica was gutted. The work of restructuring the church lasted fifty years. Most of the ancient mosaics in the western wall and in the inner central aisle survived the heat from the fire. Free.  
• 40.63522.94797 Church of the Acheiropoietos (Panayia Acheiropoietos), Agias Sofias 56 (opposite Makedonomachon Square). A 5th-century church. The surviving original decoration includes fine 5th-century Ionian capitals, the green Thessalian marble columns of the tribelon and fragments of 5th-century decorative mosaics. Early 13th-century frescoes adorn the southern side. Free.  (updated Dec 2025)

• 40.64180622.9522788 Latomou Monastery (Church of Hosios David). A late 5th-century church, once part of a monastery. Many surviving elements of the Byzantine decoration are of high artistic quality, especially the 5th-century apse mosaic the Icon of Christ of Latomos. Under Ottoman rule, the building was converted into a mosque. Free.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 40.632822.9479 Hagia Sophia (Agia Sofia). A church from the 7th century, based on the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, with mosaics from the 9th century. Free.  
• 40.636822.943710 Panagia Chalkeon (at Dikastirion Square). An 11th-century church. The paintings are from the time the church was built, except a few from the 14th century. Free.  
• 40.643122.944311 Saint Catherine. Fragments of its interior decoration are dated to ca. 1315. Free.  
• 40.633122.951212 Saint Panteleimon (near the Rotunda). A church built in the 14th century. Few of the building's original wall paintings survive, but its architecture is striking. Free.  
• 40.642822.937513 Church of the Holy Apostles, Olympou Street. The interior decoration consists of rich mosaics on the upper levels. Frescoes complete the decoration on the lower levels of the main church, but also on the narthex and one of the chapels. Free.  
• 40.637622.956214 Saint Nicholas Orphanos (between Irodotou and Apostolou Pavlou streets). A 14th-century church, particularly worth a look for its well-preserved frescoes. See if you can spot one of the turtles in the garden. Free.  
• 40.632222.950915 Church of the Saviour. A 14th-century chapel. Free.  
• 40.641822.954516 Vlatades Monastery (Vlatadon Monastery). A monastery built in the 14th century. Free.  
• 40.640922.948517 Church of Prophet Elijah. A 14th-century church. Fragments of the church's original wall paintings survive. Free.  
• 40.63960922.95277218 Byzantine Bath. Fridays, sometimes. Baths from the 12th/13th century that functioned continuously until 1940.  (updated Dec 2025)

• 40.62636922.94842819 White Tower, ☏ +30 2313-306400, [email protected]. Summer 08:00-20:00, winter 08:30-15:30. A 34 m fortified tower from the 16th-century, the primary symbol of the city. It was part of the city's erstwhilse Byzantine walls, and became a prison under the Ottomans. Today it houses a small museum dedicated to the history of the city, and viewpoints at the top. The exhibits are only in Greek, but the museum provides WiFi and an MP3-based audioguide. €6, reduced €3.  
• 40.64416722.96194420 Heptapyrgion (Επταπύργιο, Yedi Kule). Medieval fort built by the Ottomans, overlooking the city from Thessaloniki's acropolis. The Greeks converted it into a prison which remained open until 1989. €10.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 40.64058122.96011521 Trigoniou tower (Πύργος Τριγωνίου). There is an observation deck just outside the tower, offering great views of the city.  
• 40.63572422.94519822 Bey Hamam (Baths of Paradise). Built in 1444 by sultan Murad II, it was the first Ottoman bath in Thessaloniki and the most important one still standing throughout Greece.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 40.63658622.94116923 Bedesten (Μπεζεστένι, Bezesteni). A historical Ottoman market for jewellery and precious materials  (updated Dec 2025)
• 40.63917122.94964624 Alaca Imaret Mosque (Αλατζά Ιμαρέτ). A historic mosque completed in the 1480s, with an imaret (public charity kitchen).  (updated Dec 2025)
• 40.63745822.94169125 Hamza Bey Mosque (Αλκαζάρ Θεσσαλονίκης, Alkazar). A former mosque built in 1460. In modern times, a cinema operated in the premises for decades.  (updated Dec 2025)

The city is known as "the mother of Israel", due to the once flourishing Jewish community here, which existed from the Roman period and grew substantially after the Ottoman Empire took in Jewish refugees expelled from Spain, Portugal, and Spanish territories in Italy; these Jews are known as "Sephardim". Sephardi Jews formed a significant percentage of the city's population and infrastructure until World War II, when, in spring 1943, almost all were deported by the Nazis to the extermination camp at Auschwitz, never to return. However, there are still two Synagogues, and you can see the Jewish Museum.

• 40.63422.93826 Eleftherias Square (Πλατεία Ελευθερίας). In July 1942, during the Nazi occupation, all Jewish men aged 18 to 45 years old were brought here and were ordered to perform humiliating acts.  
• 40.635322.939527 Jewish Museum, Agiou Mina St 13, ☏ +30 2310 250406, [email protected]. Su 10:00-14:00, M-F 09:00-14:00, W also 17:00-20:00. €7.  (updated Oct 2020)

The two big archaeological museums are in the city centre, under the OTE Tower at the CHANTH Square. Note that Winter opening times are shorter than Summer opening times.

• 40.62522.953928 Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum. Summer 08:00-20:00. Andronikou st 6. Covers the history of Thessaloniki from prehistory to Roman times. Adults €8, children free.  (updated Jul 2016)
• 40.623922.955129 Museum of Byzantine Culture, Leoforos Stratou 2 (Thessaloniki International Fair area), ☏ +30 2313 306-400, [email protected]. 08:30-15:30 (winter) and 08:00-20:00 (summer). Focuses on Early Christian life in the Byzantine Empire, with exhibits on churches, cities and Dwellings, cemeteries, castles and monastic communities. Declared best Museum of Europe in 2005. €8 (€4 for students).  (updated Dec 2025)

Thessaloniki is home to many other museums, mostly archaeological and ethnographic.

• 40.62722.954830 Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, Egnatia St 154 (Thessaloniki International Fair area near the OTE tower). Th-Su. €4.  
• 40.632622.960731 Teloglion Foundation of Art (upper side of the Aristotel University Campus Agiou Dimitriou St). M-F 09:00-14:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00. €5.  
• 40.627422.964332 Olympic Museum (Tritis Septemvriou & Agiou Dimitriou St. (300 m to the east of Teloglion Foundation of Art)). Sports related.  
• 40.63572222.95433333 Atatürk House, Agiou Dimitriou St (entrance at the back of the Turkish consulate), ☏ +30 2310 248452. 10:00-17:00. The house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born. free.  (updated Oct 2020)
• 40.65822.932134 State Museum of Contemporary Art, Thessaloniki, Kolokotroni 25, Stavroupoli district.  
• 40.63522.937735 Museum of Ancient Greek, Byzantine, and Post Byzantine Musical Instruments, Katouni 12 (in the Ladadika neighbourhood).  
• 40.632922.935636 Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, Harbor, Warehouse A.  
• 40.632922.935637 Museum of Cinematography in Thessaloniki, Harbor, Warehouse A. €2.  
• 40.563222.995538 Museum of Science.  
• 40.610222.952239 Folklife and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace, Vassilisis Olgas St 68.  
• 40.596422.955740 Municipal Gallery of Art, Vassilisis Olgas St 162.  
• 40.624322.959641 War Museum of Thessaloniki, Grigoriou Lampraki St 4, ☏ +30 2310 249803. €4.  
• 40.630822.943642 Museum for the Macedonian Struggle, Proxenou Koromila 23, ☏ +30 231 022 9778. M Tu Th F 09:00-14:00, W 09:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-14:00. €4 (regular), €2 (reduced).  (updated Oct 2020)
• 40.6359722.96663743 Thessaloniki Zoological Garden (Ζωολογικός Κήπος Θεσσαλονίκης). A small municipal zoo with many hilly climbs. The exhibited animals are mostly goats, sheep, ducks, deer, and peacocks. Admission is free.  

• Cultural Route public bus tour (Line 50). OASTH launched a special “Cultural Route” to make the rich historical and cultural heritage of Thessaloniki more accessible. The bus departs from the White Tower for a 50-minute tour around the city's main historical and cultural monuments. The tour is supported by a telematics based audio-visual material (in Greek and English), as well as by printed leaflets (also in Greek and English). (updated Dec 2025)
• Walk along the 12 km seafront promenade.
• Go to the beach. There are frequent ferry services from the Port and White Tower to the sandy beaches of Peraia, Neoi Epivates (and some to Agia Triada) - expect a 40 minute trip each way. These have a range of bars and restaurants.
• The city has two football teams playing in the Super League, the top tier of Greek football. PAOK FC play at Toumba Stadium, capacity 29,000, 2 km southeast of city centre. Aris Thessaloniki FC play at Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium, capacity 22,800, a further kilometre south.
• 40.59803222.9486531 Thessaloniki Concert Hall, "25 Μartiou" Str. (near the Posidonio Athletic Centre of Thessaloniki - Kalamaria). The venue includes a main hall of 1,400 seats, designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and inaugurated on 2 January 2000. The Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra plays Italian Operas and works of Greek composers.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 40.48952623.022732 Waterland. A large water park near Tagarades Hill. Free bus service starting at the city centre.  (updated Feb 2016)

Thermaikos Gulf is a challenging place for yachting and sailing. Many days there are strong North winds but with low waves making sailing a fun and joy for all sailors. There are three sailing clubs in Thessaloniki and world championships take place here every year. There are a couple of yacht charter companies renting sailing yachts.

• Discovery Yachting, Thermaikou 21, ☏ +30 231 046 5269, +30 694 838 8098, fax: +30 231 046 5269, [email protected]. Bareboat charter or skippered sailing yacht, also night time tours. 
• 40.5968122.956473 Nautilia Yachting, Skiathou 2, ☏ +30 231 055 8192, fax: +30 231 055 8192, [email protected]. Licensed by the Greek National Tourism Organization, organizes skippered or bareboat yacht charters with a wide range of monohulls and catamarans for sailing.  (updated Sep 2023)

• World Naked Bike Ride. June. A celebration of Cycling, Environment, Body Freedom. (updated Dec 2025)
• 40.62722.9554 Thessaloniki International Fair. September.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Thessaloniki Film Festival. November. Lively and youth-oriented (updated Dec 2025)

Tsimiski is the main fashion street, which runs parallel to Egnatia Road and is southwest of it, with shops such as Zara and H&M. Proxenou Koromila and Mitropoleos, the next streets towards the water, also have shops. You won't find many bargains, but the shopping area is conveniently small and full of cafes when you get too tired. For cheaper clothing, check out Egnatia Road.

Books and maps in various languages can be bought in stores such as:

• Ianos bookshop, Aristotelous Sq (in the city centre). Books & art-objects, cultural events. 
• Maliaris-Pedia bookstore

The Thessaloniki Book Fair is held annually in late spring.

You can buy local food products, such as olive oil, sometimes at significantly lower prices than in nearby countries.

For food specialities, go to Modiano Market and try the Terpsis and Omega delicatessens (the most famous is Kosmas, but it specialises in Asian food).

• 40.6349322.941821 Modiano Market. The traditional central food market, with hundreds of stalls selling meat, fish, fruit, vegetables (sometimes cheek-by-jowl, an unnerving experience for North Americans), cheap clothes and shoes, flowers, herbs and spices, near Aristotele Square.
  The indoor portion is closed for an extensive renovation. It was supposed to reopen in 2021, but as of August 2022 the work is ongoing. The shops in the back alleys are still good for a wander.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 40.63622.9422 Kapani Market, [email protected]. The city's oldest market, with a wide variety of shops.  (updated Feb 2020)

Any Greek will expect you to bring back sweets from Salonica.

• Chatzis. It is famous for its collection of Greek Asia Minor sweets (politika glyka) originating from Constantinople. 
• Terkenlis. It is famous for its variety of "tsoureki", a sweet bread much like challah or brioche but containing spices too, covered and filled with several combinations of chocolates, creams, and nuts. (updated Jan 2022)
• Elenidis. It is considered the expert in "trigona" (triangles made of thin phyllo dough layers and filled with cream). 
• Choureál. Very popular for its profiterole (updated Dec 2025)

Greeks consider Thessaloniki a gourmet city - but bear in mind that this refers to the excellent local specialities and cheap-and-cheerful ouzo taverns rather than to haute cuisine or a range of foreign restaurants. The latter are best avoided in Thessaloniki.

• Try a crepe in one of the numerous crepe shops patronised by the student population at Gounari St, near Navarinou Sq.
• There are plenty of shops selling gyros. Usually there are pork and chicken gyros. This is the best calories per money option, since with less than €3 you get a meal that, although not that healthy, can keep you going for many hours.
• During the winter you can try roasted chestnuts (kastana in Greek) that are sold from carts.
• During the summer one can buy boiled or roasted corn on the cob that is sold from carts. Cost €1-2.
• You can try stafidopsomo, a small bread with raisins, or koulouri a donut-shaped small bread with sesame. You can find them sold in a bakery or on carts. Cost: €0.50.

• For breakfast you can have a bougatsa, a type of cream pie, that Thessaloniki is famous for. You can accompany it with a cacao milk or coffee.
• For a carnivore's treat, try soutzoukakia: minced meat pellets either grilled (at the central market or rotisseries) and topped with chilli pepper flakes, or cooked in tomato and cumin sauce (Smyrna-style).
• For a late night (or early morning) meal try patsas (Tripe soup).
• Seafood: gemista kalamarakia (stuffed squid), mydopilafo (rice with mussels) or mydia saganaki (mussels in tomato sauce).
• A popular winter drink is hot sahlep (salepi), a creamy milk beverage.
• In the summer, drink frappé coffee, an iced coffee drink generally made from spray-dried instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk, the hallmark of postwar outdoor Greek coffee culture invented in 1957 in Thessaloniki International Fair.

Go for a meal in one of the many central ouzo restaurants (ouzeri). Accompany your ouzo or tsipouro with a battery of small dishes - by far the best way to eat in Salonica. Particularly good are the fava beans, octopus either grilled or in wine sauce and mussels (fried, or in pilaff, or with a hot cheese sauce, saganaki). If you see "boiled vegetables' on the menu in wintertime, you'll be amazed at how good they taste. Another typical winter salad is politiki, a combination of shredded cabbage and pickles.

Many fast food options are found on the Dimitriou Gounari Street (between Rotonda and the sea).

All these are in the city centre:

• 40.63916822.9443181 Evi Evan, Olympou 68 (Bit-Bazaar). A nice small place near the ancient market of Thessaloniki. Very cozy and nicely decorated. The personnel are very friendly and helpful and eager to make you feel welcome. Very nice place with traditional style and music. You will get nice plates and local drinks.  (updated May 2022)
• 40.63901522.943572 Verges Lagies, Βενιζέλου 63. Reminiscent of old taverns from the 80s with very helpful staff and respect for the customer. Really nice charcoal grill food. Small bistro and worthwhile a try. Good quality for little money.  (updated May 2022)
• 40.63421322.9527813 Pizza Chris, Armenopoulou 17. One of the nicest pizzas in Thessaloniki. Well made dough and incredible flavors. The pizza slices are only €1.50.  (updated May 2022)
• 40.6341622.9517044 Tarantoúla, Arrianou 16. Nice place with good vegan food. This is the best place to enjoy vegan mezze in Thessaloniki. You can find a decently sized menu with several options to choose from. The space is very alternative but small with some outdoor seating and expect to have to wait for seating if you arrive at peak hours. The beet salad is fresh and delicious.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 40.63520122.9533375 Nostimo - The Art In Taste, Fotakou 5. Very tasty homemade food with lots of vegetables from their garden. Friendly staff, affordable rates, nice and clean interiors  (updated May 2022)
• 40.64002422.9451336 Ouzománia, Paster 5. This is a small tavern. One of the oldest ouzories. Kind staff and great atmosphere.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 40.63464822.9429957 Olive Oil & Oregano (Λάδι και Ρίγανη), Ερμού και Αριστοτέλους 20. 12:00–00:00.  (updated Oct 2022)
• 40.59089123.0334148 ΚΛΕΑ Fine Bakery. Cafe with light meals and takeaway.  (updated May 2018)
• 40.58683523.0297279 Villa Luna. Ask to eat in the restaurant terrace - fantastic views at sunset.  (updated May 2018)

• 40.6371722.9401710 Agora, Kapodistriou 5 (Off Ionos Dragoumi). Ouzo restaurant (ouzeri) in one of the most interesting old downtown areas.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 40.59378522.94969211 To Manitari, Themistokli Sofouli 57, Kalamaria, ☏ +30 2310 415289. 13:00-00:00. Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood. Offers vegetarian options. Well-supplied with many regional Greek wines. €10-30 (2022).  (updated Aug 2022)
• 40.61001322.95044912 Omilos The Beach Club, Leof. Meg. Alexandrou 12 (in Sailing Club of Thessaloniki), ☏ +30 2310 869950, [email protected]. Daily 10:00-00:00. Regional Greek ingredients.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 40.573622.951113 Nea Diagonios, Themistokli Sofouli 64A, ☏ +30 2310029085, [email protected]. 12:30-00:00. Here you can eat pork gyros and soutzoukakia from executive chef Ioannis Chantakis €25 (2015).  (updated Aug 2022)There are unhandled parameters: 1;
• 40.61612922.96167714 Pire kai vradiazei (Πήρε και βραδιάζει), Omirou 7 (Off Theagenio Hospital). Great taverna, unique style, good food and some days (Th-Su) live music.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 40.64277122.95528715 Toixo Toixo (Wall by Wall), Polydorou 1 (Ano Poli (Kastra)). An hipster hang-out, nice atmosphere, very expensive for the quality.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 40.6386922.9451616 Tsarouchas (Τσαρούχας), Olymbou 78 (Off Ancient Forum). 24/7. For those with adventurous tastes, preferably go after a hard night's drinking, for a "patsás" (tripe) soup, a delicious way to prevent a hangover.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 40.6363422.940717 Ouzo Melathron, Karipi 21.  (updated Feb 2016)
• Heavy Melon (Vary Peponi, Βαρύ Πεπόνι), Apellou 4, ☏ +30 231 024 3332. 14:00-00:00. Traditional Greek, Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern recipes. Also, a selection of desserts. (updated Nov 2019)
• Glykia Symoria, Ioustinianou and Zaliki 1 (Bit-Bazaar).  (updated May 2022)
• Goody's. It is the Greek fast-food chain. You will find classic hamburgers, also souvlaki, pasta and salads. 
• Apo Dyo Horia (Navarinou Sq). Cretan and Pontian restaurant. Here, order raki rather than ouzo or tsipouro. 
• Kamaras (Near Rotonda). Great traditional dishes. 
• Lila Cafe Bistro, Diogenus 23 (Ano Toumba district), ☏ +30 2310 947377. Traditional pies and sweets, croissant and dishes accompany the coffee or your drink. Porcelain miniatures and collective drinks are available for original gifts. 
• Myrsini (Behind the state theatre Etairia Makedonikon Spoudon). Good Cretan restaurant. 
• Pizza da Pepe, Stefanou Tatti 10 (side street off Egnatia, near Aghia Sophia Church), ☏ +30 2310 242407. For the best pizzas in town head here. 
• Tombourlika (Τομπουρλίκα), Navmachias Limnou 14 (Off Vardaris Square), ☏ +30 2310 548193. Great traditional ouzeri, with fresh fish and meat dishes and live rembetico music. 

• Krikelas, Ladadika (Near Morichovou Sq).  
• Odos Aristotelous (Lepen), Odos Aristotelous. Most Salonicans know it as the "Lepen". 
• Zythos-Dore (White Tower Square). An upmarket brasserie with a wide range of specialties and interesting ambiance. 

Thessaloniki is by far the liveliest city in Northern Greece, maybe even the whole country. Most of the trendy bars at the old sea-front (Nikis Ave.) and around, many of the tavernas are either downtown or in the old city (Kastra). You can also find numerous bars and tavernas at Krini, an area in eastern Thessaloniki. If you want to check out what the whole bouzoukia scene is all about, try the clubs Pyli Axiou and Mamounia, at Vilka. You will also find a lot of night clubs, bars and restaurants in Ladadika, the neighbourhood with the old warehouses next to the port. The student area is around Kamara (the Arch of Galerius), with many cheaper cafes and bars.

If you will be in town during summer, take a ride on the floating bars plying the harbour. Every 2 hr or so they leave from the White Tower area for a short evening trip (30 min) in the Gulf of Thessaloniki. They play mostly ethnic and alternative foreign music.

A beer would cost you €3-7, an alcohol drink €5-10 and a coffee €2.50-5.

Among the most popular places to drink a coffee or a beer are:

• Aristotle Sq (Aristotelous) - The most popular tourist cafés and bars lie in the central square of the city and the homonymous street. One can find quiet cafes or noisy ones usually preferred by the young. Breakfast is also served, some restaurants are also available.
• Nikis’ Av - The centre’s seafront avenue is full of cafeterias usually crowded around the clock, available for coffee in daytime and beer or drink at night.
• Proxenou Kroromila St - Parallel to the seafront Nikis avenue is Pr. Koromila street with some cafés and bars.
• Iktinou pedestrian - Another place in the city with cafes and bars and a couple of restaurants. A "street beer" culture has been created by locals and students. People buy beer from the kiosks and hang out on the surrounding benches. This is probably one of the most economic ways to drink some Retsina and socialize with locals.
• Ladadika district - At the west side of the centre lies the picturesque neighbourhood of Ladadika (meaning: oil stores). Named this way by the many stores selling oil arrived from the adjacent harbour. This district used to be notorious but has been renovated, and many stone build warehouses now host the most known nightclubs with all sorts of music including traditional Greek bouzoukia.

• Aretsou - Aretsou is in the southeast part of the city, in the Kalamaria District. In the seafront Plastira Av. are restaurants which change to bars during night featuring loud music and hosting many young.
• Karabournaki - A place in Kalamaria district hosting delicate bars, restaurants and pizzerias. All of them along Sofouli street next to the seashore.
• Boat bars - Quite interesting are the boats near the white tower’s seafront, which make a short trip around Thermaikos gulf where you can enjoy a late night city view. Most of them play ethnic and alternative foreign music.
• 40.641722.92031 Vilka (The area around the old trains station) - A set of high-range café, bars, restaurants, disco, ouzeris some with live music at the city’s west.
• Valaoritou and Syggrou - A lot of Thessaloniki's nightlife has moved here. The old industrial centre has become a place for entertainment for everybody. Many bars, clubs and cafes may remind you of Berlin, or English pubs.
• 40.64220122.9186042 Mylos Club, 56 "Andrea Georgiou" Str., ☏ +30 231 051 0081. Hosting concerts, events, exhibitions, music bands, famous Greek artists etc. Venue can change. Check their page on Facebook.  (updated Feb 2016)

• 40.6390922.95791 Little Big House Hostel, 24 Andakidou St, ☏ +30 231 3014323, [email protected]. This is a new hostel in Thessaloniki run by a brother and sister who are hosts. They have five rooms in a reconstructed house, each room with private bathroom and kitchenette and big lockers. There is also a common room and kitchen, and a nice, cozy garden area with tables and chairs. Welcome drink, maps of the city, wifi and linens, tea and coffee, all free. Laundry and breakfast for €2. €17 for bed in 6-person dorm, €19 for bed in 4-person dorm.  
• Backpackers Refuge, ☏ +30 698 3433591, [email protected]. Near the city centre (5-min bus ride) and the water front (7 min on foot) is well connected to the train station, bus station and the airport. 24 hr hot water, free linen, washing machine, kitchen, free city map, info available about Thess, and activities in northern Greece. Pick up and other transport options, free internet. Only a small capacity and advanced booking is recommended-staff is not present around the clock. 6 bed dorm €15. 
• 40.64426722.9440882 Studios Arabas, Sachtouri 28 (Σαχτούρη 28), ☏ +30 697 381 7188. €11.50 for dorm.  
• 40.6337422.939813 ^{[dead link]} The Tourist Hotel, 21, Mitropoleos St (Right in the centre), ☏ +30 2310 270501, [email protected]. 2-star hotel, cheap, clean and welcoming. Single, double or triple rooms. Free WiFi. Parking with an extra charge of €15 per day. €75 for a double room including breakfast.  
• 40.6422422.931144 Rex Hotel, Monastiriou 39, ☏ +30 231 051 7051, [email protected]. Cheap hotel opposite the train station towards the centre. Only a 5-min walk from train station. Not great, but adequate. Two-bedroom in peak season €60.  
• Hotel Acropoli. Close to the train station. Clean but shabby rooms, most with a balcony. A triple costs €80 or €60 for a double. 
• 40.6393522.937885 Alexandria Hotel, 18 Egnatia St (there is a bus stop outside, buses link to train station, bus station and airport), ☏ +30 2310 536185, [email protected]. Check-out: 12:00. Bang in the centre of Egnatia Str., with easy bus connections. Friendly staff. Price includes private bathroom, A/C, WiFi, fridge and TV. Snacks and laundry for extra charge. €33 for twin room.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 40.6324422.95356 RentRooms Thessaloniki, Konstantinou Melenikou 9, ☏ +30 2310 204080, [email protected]. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 11:00. Travellers and backpackers hostel. Nice & clean rooms and dorms with balconies. Cafeteria garden for drinks and snacks near a green park. It is in city centre's university side, overlooking "Rotonda" UNESCO World Heritage Roman monument site. Cozy atmosphere and friendly staff really helpful. Available breakfast and bicycles. Free internet stations, WiFi in rooms and common areas.  (updated Nov 2017)
• 40.5900223.0326857 Hotel Pefka (Pefka Hotel).  (updated May 2018)

There are many hotels in the area a few blocks north of Aristotelous. Some of these are a bit upmarket, but if business is slack it is worth shopping around - they might give you a good discount rather than turn you away.

• 40.48898723.0315928 Heaven Hotel, Tagarades, ☏ +30 239 2072701, [email protected]. Between the hills of Tagarades with panoramic views of the city and Thermaico's gulf.  
• 40.63843822.9427049 Zaliki Boutique Hotel, 6 Gr. Zaliki St, ☏ +30 2310 226400, [email protected]. Boutique hotel in Thessaloniki city centre in a neo-classical building offering free wi-fi, free parking and free pick-up from airport.  
• 40.639922.936410 El Greco Hotel, 23 Egnatia Street., ☏ +30 231 0520620, [email protected]. 3-star hotel in the heart of Thessaloniki. Free parking lot, VIP taxi service and free WiFi.  
• 40.6338222.9401311 City Hotel, 11 Komninon St, ☏ +30 2310 269421. 4 star.  
• Kinissi Palace, 41 Egnatia and Syngrou St, ☏ +30 2310 508081. 4 star. 
• 40.6453922.925312 Rotonda, 97 Monastiriou St, ☏ +30 2310 517121, [email protected]. 3-star hotel entering the city of Thessaloniki. Free parking lot, VIP taxi service and free WiFi.  
• 40.6344922.9395213 Le Palace, Tsimiski (2 blocks N of Aristotelou). Very nice double rooms The price posted in the room is over €180, although it is possible to haggle down to as low as €60 including breakfast if business is slack.  
• 40.6332222.9398214 Hotel Luxembourg, Komninon 6, ☏ +30 2310 252600, [email protected]. 3-star hotel in neoclassical building next to the Thessaloniki seaside and Aristotelous square  
• 40.6390222.9449715 Hotel Olympia, Olympou 65, ☏ +30 2310 36 466. Boutique hotel in the centre of Thessaloniki.  
• Hotel Anessis, 26th October 20, ☏ +30 2310 520200, [email protected]. 3-star hotel next to Thessaloniki seaside and port with free Wi-Fi. 
• 40.6425522.939816 Tobacco Hotel, Aghiou Dimitriou St. 4-star boutique hotel (formerly a tobacco warehouse).  
• 40.6420322.9326917 ^{[formerly dead link]} Capsis Hotel, Monastiriou 16, ☏ +30 2310 232221. 5 star.  
• 40.646322.9860218 Hotel Philippion, Seich Sou Forest, ☏ +30 2310 203320, [email protected]. 4-star hotel in the heart of Seich-Sou Park, overlooking Thessaloniki and Thermaikos Golf.  
• 40.6400622.9432819 Park Hotel, 81 Ionos Dragoumi, ☏ +30 2310 524121. Good breakfast buffet and reasonable price near the old Administration building.  
• 40.6684622.9631220 Hotel Byzantio, West Peripheral of Thessaloniki, ☏ +30 2310 690000, [email protected]. In an all-green setting with sparkling water from the surrounding mountains, a few metres from the water mills, on an area of 5.5 acres (2.2 hectares).  
• Amalia Hotel, 33 Hermou St, ☏ +30 2310 268321, [email protected]. 2-star hotel, in the centre of Thessaloniki, close to Aristotelous Square, all rooms with balcony and free WiFi. 
• Vergina Hotel (Ξενοδοχείο Βεργίνα), 19, Monastiriou Str., ☏ +30 2310 529372, [email protected]. 
• 40.63964722.93941721 a.d. Imperial Palace Thessaloniki Hotel, 13 Andigonidon st, ☏ +30 2310 5083000, [email protected]. Boutique hotel in the city centre in a neo-classical building offering free wi-fi, free parking and free pick-up from airport.  

• 40.6331122.9411122 Electra Palace Hotel Thessaloniki, 9, Aristotelous sq., ☏ +30 2310 294000, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 5-star hotel in the heart of Thessaloniki. 130 rooms and 8 suites, some of then with view to Aristotelous square and the sea. The "Orizontes Pool Bar & Restaurant" provides superb view of Thermaikos gulf.  
• 40.61834722.95315523 Makedonia Palace, 2, M. Alexandrou Av, ☏ +30 231 089 7197, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. One of the most prestigious hotels in Thessaloniki, on the waterfront.  (updated Jan 2020)
• 40.5223822.9997224 Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki, 13 km Thessaloniki-Perea, ☏ +30 231 040 1234, [email protected]. 5-star hotel with 2 ballrooms, 5 meeting rooms and 3 boardrooms. 2 km from the largest casino in Europe.  
• 40.6429222.9099325 Porto Palace Hotel, 65, 26th October Ave, ☏ +30 231 0504504, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. At the west entrance of the city, near the new harbour/port. It has direct access to the new financial district and it is 5 min away from the city centre and the shopping area.  
• 40.6586522.931826 ^{[dead link]} Domotel Les Lazaristes Hotel, Kolokotroni 16, 56 430, ☏ +30 2310 647400, [email protected]. Nearby the major cultural centre of the city. The State Museum of Contemporary Art inspired its design philosophy.  
• 40.63585722.93576327 Mediterranean Palace Hotel, 3, Salaminos & Karatassou St, ☏ +30 2310 552554, [email protected]. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. 5-star hotel with views of Thermaikos Bay.  

As of 2021, Thessaloniki has 5G from Cosmote and 4G from Wind and Vodafone. WiFi is widely available in public places.

Thessaloniki is generally a very safe city but watch your pockets and travel documents as there may be pickpockets, especially in buses during rush hour.

Some people may feel uncomfortable walking in the areas around the railway station at night and it's better to avoid them along with places like Dendropotamos, and Sfageia. These areas are full of abandoned buildings and factories and are a hotspot for drug-use and prostitution.

Police number: 100

Tap water is safe to drink. In some places in the city centre you might get a slight "taste" from the water. That means that the pipes in the building are getting old, so you might want to buy bottled water.

Greece is a sunny place. If your skin is light-coloured, intense sunlight can be a serious danger. The sun can be strong at noontime and during the early afternoon, even during the autumn and spring. Use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

Emergency phone number: 112

The suburb of Panorama is well heeled and has good restaurants, and spectacular views over Thessaloniki - especially at sunset.

The classic trips out of Thessaloniki are:

• Serres – The second largest city in Greece's Macedonia region and close to the Bulgarian towns of Melnik and Bansko and Pirin National Park.
• Kavala and Philippi – About 160 km east of Thessaloniki is Kavala, one of the most beautiful cities of Greece. The ancient site of Philippi is particularly known by Apostle Paul and the first Christian baptism in Europe.

• Thasos – A green island with high mountains and wonderful beaches. You can visit the island on a day trip but its definitively worth to spent more days. There are ferry boats from Kavala harbor and Keramoti.

• Chalkidiki peninsula – There are 500 km of wonderful beaches on the fingers of this peninsula, one of the main tourist destinations of Greece.
  • Kassandra is where many Salonicans (and tourists) spend their holidays.
  • Sithonia is the most beautiful place of Halkidiki both in landscape and beaches. In the summer, the Armenistis campground (Sithonia peninsula) stages concerts and other events.
  • Mount Athos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This peninsula houses over 1,700 monks in 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries. The visit is strictly controlled and only male visitors are allowed.
• Mount Olympus coast (towards Platamonas) – A very scenic region which has fallen out of favour with the trendy set but has lost no business - it is now mainly catering to tourists from Eastern Europe.
• Pella – The Macedonian capital during the time of Alexander the Great.
• Vergina – The spectacular site of the Macedonian royal tombs.
• Dion – A beautiful archaeological site near Mount Olympus.
• Prespa and Doirani lakes – Near the borders with Albania and North Macedonia, respectively, the Prespas especially offering an austere and evocative Balkan landscape and plenty of birdwatching.

Igoumenitsa ← Vergina ←

W  E

→ Asprovalta → Kavala